Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Key Points
Common skin condition, which usually affects young children
Caused by a viral infection
Is very infectious
Consists of blisters on the hands, feet, and interior of the mouth, which may be painful and accompanied by a low-grade fever

Hand foot and mouth disease is a common skin condition caused by a viral infection. Symptoms typically present within 3-5 days of infection. Symptoms consist of small, flat blisters on the feet and/or hands, and ulcers in the mouth. Some persons may also develop a rash on the buttocks. Mouth ulcers may be accompanied by pain, and the affected person may experience a low-grade fever. The condition is not typically prone to the development of secondary infections.

Hand foot and mouth disease generally affects young children, most often during the summer. The condition is caused by an infection of an enterovirus, typically Coxsackie A16. The condition is very infectious and can affect large groups quickly.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Aphthous Stomatitis
Chickenpox
Erythema multiforme
Herpes simplex

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis based on appearance of the affected areas
Swab and other tests may be performed to determine the causal agent and rule out other conditions

Diagnosis of hand foot and mouth disease is generally based on the appearance of the affected areas. Swabs of lesions and other tests may be performed to determine the causal agent and rule out other conditions.

Treatment
Specific treatment typically not needed
OTC remedies should be used to relieve mouth pain
OTC Options: Antiseptic mouthwashes, oral analgesics

Hand foot and mouth disease does not generally require specific treatment, as the infection will resolve on its own. OTC remedies can assist in relieving mouth pain, such as antiseptic mouthwashes and oral analgesics.